Steering apparatus

Abstract

A steering apparatus includes a steering column to which a steering wheel is connected, a first fixing portion for pivotably supporting the steering column relative to a vehicle body, a bracket secured to the steering column for supporting a drive unit, and a second fixing portion for supporting the steering column relative to the vehicle body and pivoting the steering column with respect to the first fixing portion by receiving an output of the drive unit. The second fixing portion is provided on the steering wheel side of the steering column relative to the bracket.

1 . A steering apparatus comprising 
 a steering column to which a steering wheel is connected;    a first fixing portion for pivotably supporting the steering column relative to a vehicle body;    a bracket secured to the steering column for supporting a drive unit; and    a second fixing portion for supporting the steering column relative to the vehicle body and pivoting the steering column with respect to the first fixing portion by receiving an output of the drive unit; wherein the second fixing portion is provided on the steering wheel side of the steering column relative to the bracket.    
   
   
       2 . A steering apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the second fixing portion includes a link mechanism having an L-shaped link for converting the output of the drive unit into a pivotal movement of the steering column.  
   
   
       3 . A steering apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the first fixing portion is provided at one end portion of the steering column opposite to the other end portion at which the second fixing portion is provided.  
   
   
       4 . A steering apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the first fixing portion is provided at one end portion of the steering column opposite to the other end portion at which the second fixing portion is provided.  
   
   
       5 . A steering apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the link mechanism includes a plurality of rotation centers of the drive unit and the steering column.  
   
   
       6 . A steering apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the first fixing portion includes a tilt center secured to the vehicle body.  
   
   
       7 . A steering apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the link mechanism includes the L-shaped link, an I-shaped link, and a plurality of pivots.  
   
   
       8 . A steering apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the L-shaped link and the I-shaped link are connected to each other via a first pivot of the plurality of pivots.  
   
   
       9 . A steering apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the second fixing portion includes a housing secured to the vehicle body and connected to the I-shaped link via a second pivot of the plurality of pivots.  
   
   
       10 . A steering apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the steering column is secured to the vehicle body via a third pivot of the plurality of pivots.